Are bottom mount fridges better?
A bottom-mount refrigerator like the GE DFE28JMKBES is better for many households because the fresh-food section sits at eye and waist level, so you reach everyday items (milk, produce, leftovers) more easily while the freezer stays in a lower pull-out drawer.
When a bottom-mount is the better choice
- You cook often and use fresh ingredients daily
- You want less bending for refrigerator items (better ergonomics)
- You prefer wide shelves and easy visibility in the fresh-food compartment
- You like freezer organization with sliding baskets and drawers
- You want a modern layout that works well for families
When a top-freezer or side-by-side may be better
- You use the freezer more than the refrigerator (frequent frozen meals)
- You want the lowest upfront cost (top-freezer models are often simpler)
- You have a tight kitchen aisle and need narrower door swing clearance
Quick comparison
| Layout | Best for | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom-mount (bottom freezer) | Fresh-food access and daily cooking | Freezer items sit lower; you bend more for frozen foods |
| Top-freezer | Budget and simple storage | Fresh-food items sit lower; more bending for daily use |
| Side-by-side | Equal access to fridge and freezer | Narrower shelves; large platters can be harder to fit |
Why it matters
Most people open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer. With a bottom-mount design, the items you use most often are positioned higher, which reduces bending and makes meal prep faster and more comfortable.
Model-specific tip for planning fit
If you are choosing a bottom-mount for your kitchen, confirm doorway and pathway clearance before moving it. The GE refrigerator manual notes that doors and passageways may need to meet minimum width requirements to move the unit in safely.
For model-specific handling, clearances, and moving guidance, use the DFE28JMKBES owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with GE profile refrigerators?
The most common issue we see with GE Profile refrigerators (including the GE DFE28JMKBES platform) is a cooling problem: the fresh food section warms up, the freezer temperature drifts, or temperatures swing. Many “not cooling” complaints trace back to airflow, frost buildup, or a fan/defrost problem rather than the compressor.
Most common symptoms customers notice
- Refrigerator section is warm but freezer seems close to normal
- Freezer is warm and ice cream is soft
- Frost or ice buildup on the rear freezer panel
- Fan noise changes, gets louder, or stops
- Food spoils faster or temperatures fluctuate
Quick checks we recommend first (no tools)
- Confirm settings: Make sure temperature setpoints were not bumped.
- Check door sealing: Look for gaps, torn gasket areas, or doors not closing fully.
- Clear airflow: Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer compartments unblocked.
- Clean condenser area: Dust buildup reduces heat transfer and can cause warm temps.
- Listen for fans: You should typically hear airflow from the evaporator fan when the unit is running.
Common causes and what they usually look like
| What’s happening | Typical cause | What you’ll notice |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food warm, freezer OK-ish | Airflow restriction or evaporator fan issue | Weak airflow, uneven temps |
| Both sections warm | Condenser airflow issue, dirty coils, or sealed system problem | Long run times, poor cooling |
| Frosted rear freezer panel | Defrost system problem | Ice buildup, reduced airflow |
| Intermittent cooling | Door not sealing, control/sensor issue | Temps swing, alarm events |
Why it matters
Cooling problems can snowball: restricted airflow and frost buildup force longer run times, which increases energy use and can lead to more component wear. Catching the early signs helps protect food and reduces the chance of a bigger repair.
Helpful model-specific resources
- Use the troubleshooting and temperature guidance in the DFE28JMKBES owner’s manual.
- If the issue is tied to alarms, follow the steps in how to reset the door alarm on a GE refrigerator.
- If the display shows a fault, match it using GE refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I find the model number on my DFE28JMKBES?
On the GE DFE28JMKBES bottom-mount refrigerator, the model number is printed on a label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. Look on the left side wall, about mid-height; the same label also lists the serial number. See the [DFE28JMKBES owner's manual] for the exact label location.
Where to look (quick steps)
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door, not the freezer drawer
- Check the left interior wall of the refrigerator compartment
- Look near the middle of the compartment height
- Find a label that shows Model # and Serial #
- Write both numbers down; you will often need the serial number for date and revision details
What the label typically looks like
Most GE refrigerator ID labels include:
- Model (example format: DFE28JMKBES)
- Serial (letters and numbers)
- Electrical ratings (volts/amps)
- Sometimes a barcode
Why it matters
The model number ensures we match the correct GE parts diagrams and compatible replacement parts (like a water filter, door bin, or ice maker components). Even small model-number differences can change fit and wiring.
Model vs. serial number (what to use)
| Number | What it identifies | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | The exact refrigerator design and parts list | Ordering parts, looking up diagrams, checking features |
| Serial number | Production run details and manufacturing date | Service history, verifying version changes |
Last updated: March 2026





